FALL – This is the only season in my humble opinion that really stands out from the others.  Fall means that winter is just around the corner.  So, I am more of a fan of spring, the precursor to Summer…I love summer, and sun and hot weather.  You can keep the cold, the wind, snow and ice. 
 
As we enter into Fall and face the Holidays ahead, family is heavy on my mind.  Our family is spread all over and it is getting more difficult to get everyone together in one place.  I try to keep in mind those that struggle with family, or don’t have one.  I imagine it can be painful for them over the holidays.  Maybe we should all invite someone who doesn’t have family into our family circle this year and make them feel loved and welcomed. 
 
My family and extended family is very important to me.  I know that my children, although they grew up in the same environment, they are as different as night and day. As they approach their late 20’s and my oldest his early 40’s, I cherish their individual characters, diverse values and mindsets.  Each has a distinct set of life priorities and is living out their lives in various ways.
When the occasion calls for a reunion, such as a birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter, grievances and complaints are cast aside.  Their differences melt into saw dust.  They are happy to come together, reveling in family ties and history.  The memories of the old a common thread.  With laughter and merry-making aplenty, cherishing the limited time together, each member basking in unbreakable bonds of kinship, before each departing back to own life.
A few weeks ago I was blessed to have my whole immediate family (even my ex-husband) here in Urbana to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate my oldest son’s birthday.  We went to the Ohio Shrimp and Fish Festival (http://fwfarms.com/festival/ ) and enjoyed some awesome Fish & Chips and wonderful music.   After that we headed over the National Tractor Pulling Association’s Enderle Pull Off (http://enderlepulloff.com/enderle/ ) at the Urbana Fairgrounds.  What an absolute joy it was to have everyone here.  It made me appreciate them all even more.
So, as we enter into the Fall season and the beginning of the traditional family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas, let us rejoice in the family that we have and be blessed by them.  I am reminded of the famous line on families of our beloved Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire: “There are all sorts of different families, Katie. Some families have one mommy; some families have one daddy, or two families. And some children live with their uncle or aunt. Some live with their grandparents, and some children live with foster parents. And some live in separate homes, in separate neighborhoods, in different areas of the country - and they may not see each other for days, or weeks, months... even years at a time. But if there's love, dear... those are the ties that bind, and you'll have a family in your heart, forever.”  Mend your differences, forgive those that have offended you and just love them.  Trust me, the Peace you will feel for doing so, is worth swallowing your pride for.  Happy Fall Y’all!

Today, September 11, 2016 marks the 15th anniversary of the terror attacks on New York, Pennsylvania and Washington. These were events unlike any other in history, and they changed America and our world in profound ways — some of which have yet to become apparent.
 
Thousands lost their lives or loved ones in the tragic event and many others subsequently lost their health even their Faith. However, all Americans lost something very profound on that tragic day, our peace of mind.   We will never feel as safe and secure on our own soil as we did prior to that day.
 
Regardless of your race, creed, color, religion, political stance or belief in  conspiracy theories, please take a moment of silence and reflect, pray, mediate or just plain remember that day:

• The First Responders that died or were injured trying to save others
• The Doctors, Nurses, Aids and other Hospital  personnel that tirelessly worked to help the endless stream of injured and traumatized people
• Those that were left behind with young children to care for by themselves
• Those that watched helpless as their co-workers and friends tried to jump to safety from the burning buildings
• The Passengers of UA Flight 93 that banded together knowing they would not survive, but diverted another catastrophe
  
• The people at the Pentagon who had to protect our military headquarters while taking care of the aftermath of the attack
  
• The Service Animals that worked feverishly to rescue people that couldn’t be saved and some even perished or were traumatized beyond help
• All of our country's leaders who were faced with an unheard of situation and had to make split second and life changing decisions and have had to live with them
  
• All Americans who watched in horror as the event unfolded on National TV
  
• All those that still suffer from the effects of the calamity after 15 years have gone by
  

 
Let us never forget that our country is not so great that it couldn’t be invaded on our soil.  We must do everything in our power to protect the freedoms that our forefather’s fought so hard for and that the victims of 9/11 died for.  We need to make our country SAFE again. We need to make our country GREAT again.  We need to make our country WHOLE again.
 
Bow your heads and remember those that perished on this day in 2001.  God Bless them all.  May they rest in peace.

Well, we are finally here…the Ladybug Acres website launches today!  Yay! 

This is a big day for us.  Dave and I have wanted to own and operate a store for many, many years now.  We have always had a love of antiques, interesting thrift store finds, and beautifully handcrafted or handmade items.  Even more recently,
I have a passion for how those items can be re-purposed or up-cycled into something even more fabulous. We can’t wait to share our treasures with you!

The categories of the store are based on my husbands and my eclectic tastes, my new found country life and our combined love of cool “stuff”.  More categories and items will be added as time goes by so check back often.  We are already planning “The Man Cave” for all of our guy family members and friends who think online shopping is mainly for women.  Dave is also planning to share the fruits of his labors with our natural honey, honey products, herbs and herbal products.  The wood shop is getting geared up for making beautiful apothecary drawers, trunks and other fine wood items.  His time right now is devoted to making our 130 year old Victorian home beautiful again.

We are excited to be able to combine our love of “stuff” with my passion for writing in this blog.  I promise not to rant too much, but will probably share my humble opinions from time to time.

Life has been interesting for us the past three years.   Dave and I met on-line of all places.  Many of my followers know that I had been on the dating sites since my divorce in 2000.  On-line dating is a whole story in itself and the topic of a book I have been working on.  I hope to be published by the time I retire in a few years.  I will share more about our courtship and trials and tribulations in future blogs.  I can only say that we laugh a lot.  Life is funny!

Fast forward to today.  Launch Day!  I love the country.  I love small town life where everyone genuinely cares about everyone else.  It is like living in Mayberry, but with the internet!  Urbana, Ohio is a mostly Christian, mostly Conservative community. Most small businesses are closed on Sundays.  We say “God Bless” and “Merry Christmas” and mean it. Folks look out for each other.  Neighbors check in with each other.  People attend church regularly and give their TIME not just money to civic and community programs that enrich the lives of everyone, not just the church going Christians. 

When we say ALL are welcome.  We do mean ALL – any race, color, creed or religion.  We only ask that you respect the beliefs and customs of others.  But, by respect, I don’t mean that we won’t pray in front of you if you are a non-believer, because we will.  I don’t mean that we won’t say the Pledge of Allegiance with our hands over our hearts, because we will.  I also don’t mean that we won’t proudly display our country’s flag, because we will.  What I do mean is that we will tolerate and not disrespect your right to pray as you wish also, speak your native language, or dress in your traditional clothing.
That being said, we will NOT tolerate attacks on our police, fire or military personnel.  We thank them for their service at every opportunity.

Please check back often.  My friends and family will tell you that I have a LOT to say.  New products are added almost daily.  God Bless you!